A State Government-appointed independent Arbiter has suspended Cr Susan Bissinger from the office of councillor for 31 days, effective from midnight tonight.
The Arbiter imposed the suspension after conducting a review of Cr Bissinger’s behaviour and concluding she had engaged in misconduct. A 31-day suspension is the maximum penalty available to the Arbiter.
The Arbitration process was conducted under Section 143 of the Local Government Act 2020 and took place late last year.
The Arbiter found:
- Cr Bissinger engaged in misconduct by publicly suggesting she was being unjustly punished by the CEO for her opinion on the Intersex Pride Flag.
- Cr Bissinger wrongly undermined the reputation of Council and the CEO.
- The CEO’s protocol and subsequent internal arbitration had nothing to do with her opinion on the Intersex Pride Flag.
- Cr Bissinger understood the CEO had limited her dealings with council staff due to concerns about her poor patterns of behaviour and not her opinion on the flying of the Intersex Pride Flag.
- Cr Bissinger issued a series of falsehoods to the media amounting to an ‘unfounded conspiracy theory’ concerning the reason for the internal arbitration.
The Arbiter’s full report will be tabled at the 5 March Council Meeting and will be included in the published meeting agenda on 1 March.
While Cr Bissinger is suspended, Nepean Ward Councillor Sarah Race and Mayor Simon Brooks will ensure the Nepean Ward is fully represented at Council.
Council is pleased the matter has now been resolved and remains focussed on delivering the best possible service to our community.
